Timing system



Jan. 5, 1954 z. R. KECK TIMING SYSTEM Filed Feb. 19, 1952 x m; ma KMEE .vL m L x 5 6 BL A 2 M mm aw% E w W.

Patented Jan. 5, 1954 UNITED STATES FATENT OFFICE 8 Claims.

The present invention relates to a timing system and more particularly to a control timer and the combination of the control timer with an electrical circuit, having push button switch means therein, providing novel operational advantages subsequently described in greater detail.

The instant application constitutes a continuation in part of my copending application entitled Time Controlled Starting Switch Actuating Mechanism," Serial No. 247,055, filed September 18,1951, now Patent No. 2,620,871.

It is well known, and the files of the Patent Ofiice show, that a great number of timing mechanisms have been developed which include electrical switching devices adapted for connection in electrical circuits and timing mechanisms having controlled connection to the switching devices. Such structures usually employ a switch blade movable between predetermined open and closed positions and connection to the timing mechanism of such character that at a predetermined time measured by the timing mechanism the blade is thrust into closed position and held in such position, or thrust into open position and held therein. Although such structures are eminently satisfactory in many electrical environments, their use in others is objectionable because of their limited electrical capacities, their expense, and difficulties of installation, lack of mobility, and other defiiencies.

For one or more of these reasons, such switches are not generally utilized in connection with electrically motivated irrigation pumps and the like. Such pumps are conventionally provided with energizing circuits having master switches in series with their respective pumps. The switches are provided with holding circuits each including a push button start switch and a push button stop switch connected in series. The start switch is spring loaded into a normally open position and the stop switch into a normally closed position. An electrically self-sustaining switch is connected in parallel with the start switch so that when the start switch is closed and released the holding circuit continues to remain closed through the self-sustaining switch until the stop switch is operated. Subsequent operation of the stop switch breaks the circuit and the self-sustaining switch opens so that the holding circuit can only be re-established by operation of the starting switch.

Although a great many control timers have been developed for use in operating conventional electrical switches, such as that shown and described in the patents to Hughes et al., No. 511.527, Copeman, No. 1,104,781, Copeman No. 1,180,571, Streng, No. 1,191,745, White, No. 1,292,189, Schultz, No. 1,938,155, and many others, none thereof are suitable for use in operating the push button switches in a circuit of the character described in the preceding paragraph. As will subsequently become more clearly apparent, it is important that the start switch be released once it has been operated or the start switch will ieclose its circuit immediately following operation and release of the stop switch. This is objection-able not only because of the lack of control which results but in many pumping systems the pump is rotated in a reverse direction with great force for a considerable period immediately following termination of operation thereof, by water or other liquid returning to the position from which it is being lifted by the pump, not infrequently hundreds, and in many instances, thousands of feet therebelow. The untimely restarting of such electrically motivated pumps frequently results in structural failure. Further, it is necessary that the stop switch return to closed position promptly after operation. If this is not done, it is impossible to close the circuit by operation of the start switch. Although many of the control timers alluded to may be dependable in their movement of a switch blade in a single direction, they fail to provide the desired operation and release of great importance in many electrical circuits of the character described.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved control timer adapted for operation with push button switches and the like.

Another object is to provide a control timer operable to actuate an electrical switching mechanism at a predetermined time as measured by the control timer.

Another object is to provide such a control timer adapted to release switches with which they are associated promptly upon timed actuation thereof.

Another object is to provide a control timer having a plunger mounted for reciprocal rectilinear movement operable to actuate push button switches and the like by momentary engagement of the plunger therewith with the plunger in alignment with the push button so that the rectilinear movement of the plunger minimizes scrubbing and abrading action on the push button.

Another object is to provide releasable means mounting the timer on the mounting means selected positions with the plunger alignedwith.

the push buttons.

Another object is to provide an improved :corrs trol timer and mounting means therefor .aCCOmn modating mobility of the timer andrele-asa'ble" mounting thereof in any of a number of operable positions whereby a single timer by frequent repositioningcan be caused to dcthe work of several timers. M g Y .A further object .is to provideimproved elements andarrangements thereof in a device and system of the character andforthe pur'posesset forth.

Further objects and advantages ,will become apparent in the subsequent description in the specification;

In the drawing; I Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a conventional push button start switch and thepush button stop switch, amounting panel for the switches, a schematically represented electrical circuit suitable totheemployment.offsuch switches, and-a side elevation ofa bracket .andcontrol timer embody ing the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentaryfaceview ofthe mounting panel'of Fig. 1 showing the face of themountingbracket supported thereon.

Fig; 3 is a. fragmentary sideelevation of a Fig. 5' is a fragunentary longitudinal section 1 of the control timerofthe present invention; 7

Fig'i 6 is a transverse section ofthe control timer'as taken on line6'6 of'Fig. 1. v Fig. '7 is a fragmentary enlarged longitudinal section of the control 'tifm'er' showinga portion of the structure illustrated in Figi 5 in a succeed ing operational position; I v p Fig. 8 is a side elevation of' a crank shaft employed in the control timer of the present invennon;

Referring in greater detail to the drawing;

mounting panel ID of any suitable mate? rialemploys a pair otbolts H anda back plate 12 to mount a start switch 63' and'a stop switch M thereon. The mounting and structure of the switches is for illustrative convenience only. and it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited" to the precise formthereof shown. A spring i5.ismountedbetweenthe plateiz and the start switch l3, andZurgesthestart switch into 7 A source of electrical energy is represented at H. An electrically operated double pole switch it may conveniently be utilized having an electromagnetic coil I9 and a pair of bridge elements 2d and 2!. As shown, the start switch [3 is connected in series with the coil Hi to the source of electrical energy [1. The stop switch it is connected electrically in series with the bridging element 2G and with the coil IS to the source of electrical energy. The stop switch it. bridging element 20, and coil 19 are-electrically in parallel with the series circuit of the start switch is and coil l9.

Aload circuit 22 serves to connect an electric ump; not shown, or other electrically energized-apparatus in series with the bridging ele- The structuredescribed to this point is essentially-conventional and may depart from the precise form shown without departing from the spirit of the present invention It will-be obvious, that when thezstart switch l3,is,momentarily closed; the coil I91closes"thebridgingielements 2d and'2l completing the load 'circuitLZZ. When the'start switch-is released, the electrical path through the stop switch continues toenergize the coil-l9 so that the bridging elements are held in closed position. When'the stop'switch l4 is'operated with the start switch' ls' in normally open posidon; the circuit'to the coil l9'is interrupted so that the bridging-elements ZBand 25 return to open position interrupting the load circuitZE. Subsequently; the loadcircuit can again be completed'by operation of the start switch.

bracket ZA-ism'ounte'd on the panel H in spanning relation to the push'button switches #13 and i4," as by bolts '25. The bracket providesan elongated central portion in substantially parallelrelationto the'panelwhich has a plurality of.sub'stantially equally spaced key hole openings 2.5"form'ed therein aligned transversely of the push button switches l3' and I4.

A control timer of the present invention is indicatedgenerally at preferably providing a substantially weatherproof case 3|. The case houses a; simpleand'inexpensive timing mechanismindicated generally. at 32. It will be obvious that the timingmechanism may be any desired form but the applicant prefers to utilize an inexpensive mechanical clock for the purpose.

Inasmuch-as, the. timing mechanism is essentially conventional; reference is made only to elementsthereof. togwhichrattentionis called for descriptive convenience. Suffice it atthis point toobserve that the timing mechanism employs a frame 34 secured in the case which mounts a spring driven clock adapted-to measure time, to register-the time-ona clock face 35 and including an alarm system triggered at adjustably predetermined times indicated on the alarm setting 'fl r I Analarm control shaft/381s rotatably mounted'in the frame at and provides aknurled head 39 exteriorly of the case. The shaft has an end opposite to the head 39 extended into the clock face 35 and mounting an alarm hand it radially thereon. Inwardly of the face, the shaft 58 mounts an annular cam followertl rigidly thereon. A cog wheelAZ is. journaledon the shaft adjacentto the. cam follower and provides an axially disposedhotched cam. t3. integral: therewith engageablejwith the follower. The cog wheelis rotatedby. the timing mechanism. 32. By manual rotation 'o'f'the shaft by means of the head 39 the alarm hand can be positioned on the face 36 at any predetermined triggering time. The cam follower ll and cam 43 are of such cooperative form and the cam follower so positioned on the shaft 38 in relation to the hand All that when the triggering time is indicated by rotation of the cog wheel 32 and cam 43 the cog wheel and cam slide axially of the shaft toward the face of the clock under the urging of the spring '34 which also moves toward the face of the clock and serves to trigger an alarm structure to which attention is now directed.

A crank shaft 48 is rotatably mounts in frame 34 and provides a winding key screwthreadably mounted thereon exteriorly of the case 3 i The winding key is mounted in the usual way so that its manual rotation in a direction tending to rotate the crank shaft 48 in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 5, tightens the key on the crank shaft and manual rotation of the key in the opposite direction releases the same from the shaft. In other words, the winding key limits rotation of the crank shaft it to a winding or clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 5. The crank shaft has an elongated straight portion intermediate the ends of which a throw 5! is radially extended to provide a journal t2 in substantially parallel relation to the straight portion.

A spiral alarm spring is mounted on crank shaft and has an end connected to the crank shaft and an opposite end fixedly mounted in the frame 5:34 in the well known manner. A chain of gears 55 has driven connection to the crank shaft and serves to rotate an escapernent wheel to engageable by a releasable escapement An so is extended from the escapernent for latched engagement with the spring i l whereby the escapement releasably locks the escapeinent wheel 58 and thus the crank shaft against rctation. When the cog wheel 52 and cam are permitted to move toward the face by the cam follower il, the spring moves from ment and the escapernent and crank shaft c3 are released for rotational movement of the crank shaft under the urging of the alarm spring 54. The timing apparatus now described including the timing mechanism crank shaft winding key '35 control shaft 38, head 38, alarm hand 4%, cam. follower ll, cog wheel #32, t3, spring at, alarrn spring 5 chain of gears 55, escapement wheel 55, escapernent and arm is essentially conventional except for the utilization of the throw ill and journal 52 and thus is not described in great particularity.

A pair of elongated arms to pivotally mounted in the frame as at iii in pendent position for pivotal movement in a common plane substantial y normal to the crank shaft as.

An elongated plunger {is is pivotally connected to the arms til at positions substantially equally spaced from the pivotal mountings ti of the arms the arms in substantially parallel relation. The arms provide a convenient mounting for the plunger in the case ii for reciprocal rectilinear movement.

The case is provided with an opening at 65 through which an en of the plunger is eX- tended. The end is provided with a longitudinal bore "nd an elongated finger conveniently takmg form of headed bolt, is screw-threadaoly mounted in the bore. iarnb nut is sorew-threadably moo on nge for engagement with the end c6 of the plunger whereby the finger may be locked adjustable telescopic relation in the plunger.

An elongated link 12 is rotatably mounted on the journal 52 of the crank shaft 48 and pivotally connected to an extended end of one of the arms It will be observed in Figs. 5 and, 7 that the link 12 has opposite side edges engageable with the straight portion 5&3 of the crank shaft in parallel relation to the journal to limit rotation of the crank shaft 48 in a winding direction as shown in Fig. 7 and in an unwinding direction as shown in Fig. 5. It will be obvious that the engagement of the link with the crank shaft limits rotational movement of the crank shaft to sub stantially less than 360 and as coupled to the plunger rotational travel of the crank shaft be tween its limits serves to extend the plunger and to retract the same.

A pair of headed pins 14 are mounted in the case in substantially equally spaced relation to the end 6% of the plunger and in alignment therewith. Each of the pins conveniently consists of a sheet metal screw '55 having a washer "it located against the head thereof, a spacing sleeve mounted on the screw against the it, and a washer is located on the screw against the sleeve Tl. Tightening of the screws into the case 3| assembles the described elements of the pin ti htly against the end of the case.

In certain switch panels, it is inconvenient to employ a generally U-shaper bracl t as that shown at it. In such instances ora' ts of the type shown at B0 in Figs. 3 and a are uti. Zed. The brackets are of generally Z-shape having pair of substantially parallel, offset, legs 3! an interconnecting portion 82. The brackets are conveniently made of strip metal and one of the legs 8i secured to the panel I? as by a pair of bolts 8-3 in a position with the opposite leg extended transversely of a push button switch it or M. The leg extended across the plurality of openings 8 formed in substantiall" equally spaced relation in alignment ti" Each of the openings has a circular central ticn and oppositely extended channels becor in effect a double key hole opening so that pins 14 can be rested on either end of t opening in releasable locked engagement therewith.

Operation.

The operation of the described embodiment of the present invention is believed to he clearly apparent and is briefly summarized this point. The control timer 3% is mounted with its plunger 64 and finger 68 in alignment with the switch to be operated by inserting the headed pr s i through the openings 25 or 84 and drawing the pins downwardly into the extensions of the openings where the washers l5 releasably retain the control timer on the bracket 24 or It will be apparent that the sleeve H is preferably s bstantially the length of the thickness of bra so that the washers "it slidably engr e opposite sides thereof. Such mounting dept. ably locates the control timer in precisely predetermined spaced relation to the panel if switches l3 and is mounted thereon.

If it is desired to close the bridging element to close the load circuit 22, as for starting rigation pump or the like, the control timer mounted with the plunger in alignment with t push button start switch l3. The head is manipulated to set the alarm mechanism of the timing device for triggered operation of the shaft 48 at a predetermined time indicated by the hand 49 on the setting face 38 and as measured by the timing mechanism 32. The winding key 29 c eeses 7. swr ed c nd ie r neie d o on t crank shaft. 48, as shown inFig. 7, preliminary to mounting thetimer.

Itwill benoted that the finger 68 is telescopically mounted'in. the plunger 64 so that the extended endof the finger GB-islin spaced relation to the push button. switch to be operated. The telescopic adjustment issecured by means of jamb nut 69.

When the predetermined time has been measured by the timing mechanism 32 the control shaft 38 rotates to the point to which the earn it and cog wheel 42 moves axially of the shaft 33, to the right as viewedinFig. 6, under the urging of the spring 44. The end of thespring 4t releases the arm 58 of theescapement 57 and the escape ment wheel 56 is released sothat the crank shaft 4% can turn under the urging of the spring The crank shaft rotates-in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Figs. 5 and 7, and in so doing thrusts the. plunger and finger outwardly against the push button start switch l3 and retracts the plunger therefrom. Rotation of the crankshaft in the counterclockwise direction. is likewise limited by engagement of the link 72 with the crank shaft.

When the start switch It is closed, the holding circuit of the coil I9 is completed closing the switch 18. By closing the bridging element as. the described circuit through the coil and stop switch is also closed so that the switch it is in effect self sustaining after release of the start switch. In this manner, an electrical circuit of the character described may be completed at any predetermined time Without the presence of operator.

Similarly, a completed circuit may be interrupted at any predetermined time by mounting the control timer of the present invention with the plunger 64: and fingers 68 in alignment with a stop switch 14 therein. The adjustment of the control timer and operation thereof is essen tially as that already described. When the finger engages the push button stop switch iii the switch is openedv and the finger promptly withdrawn therefrom. Inasmuch as the stop switch is in series with the coil ['9 and the start switch It is open, the circuit is broken the instant the stop switch is operated and the electrical field of the coil 19 collapses so'that the sustaining switch it opens.

The rectilinear movement of the plunger minimizes abrasion of push buttons with which it employed and assures proper operation by retraction from the push buttons promptly after actuation thereof. The control timer 30 is simply a mechanical alarm clock with only minor modifications for purpose of substituting the crank shaft 48 for the normal winding stem thereof and for the mounting of the cams and the like. By the provision of the brackets 24 and 20 transversely of any number of switches to be operated. a single timer may be utilized in operating any selected switch of a great number thereof thus minimizing the expense necessary for controlled operation. Further, if it is desired both to start and to stop an electric pump or the like at predetermined times, a pair of control timers can be mounted on a pair of the. brackets 89 illustrated in Fig. 4 and the timers set so that one thereof operates the start-switch [3- at a desired time. and the other thestopswitch M in predetermined following relation thereto.

The control, timer of the. present invention is economical to produce, durable, easy to install andremove, conveniently adjusted, for times op; eration, and a great convenience in its operat on of push button switchesandthe likeat selected times.

Althoughthe. inventionhas been herein shown and describedin what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodimentit is recog nized, that departures may be madetherefrom within the scope of the invention, which isnotto be limited to the details disclosed herein. but is to be accorded thefull scope of the claims. so as to embraceany and all equivalent devices, apparatus and systems.

Having described my invention whatI claim new and desire to secure byv Letters Patent is.;

1. In combination with an electric circuit having a push button start switch and a push button stop switch therein, means mounting. the push button switches in predetermined spaced, rela:- tion, a bracket mounted on the mounting means in spanning relation to the push button switches, said bracket having a plurality of key-hole openings formed therein in equally spaced relation in alignment transversely of the push button switches, a control timer having an elongated plunger mounted therein endwardly reciprocated between an extended position and a retraetedpo: siticn at an adjustably predetermined timemeasured by the control timer, and a pair of headed pins mounted on the controltimer releasably; engageable in the key-hole openings of the bracket in alternate positions with the plunger aligned with the push button of the start switchand the push button ofthe stop switch respectively;

2. In combination with anelectriccircuit having a push button start switch and a push button stop switch therein, means mounting the push button switches in predetermined adjacentrelation, a bracket mounted on the mounting means in spanning relation to the. push button switches, said bracket having a plurality. of key-hole openings formed therein in equally spaced relation in alignment transversely of the push button switches and in predetermined spaced relation thereto, a control timer having an elongated plunger mounted therein endwardly reciprocatedbetween an extended position and a retracted position at an adjustably predetermined time measured by the control timer, the plunger having an extended end provided with a longitudinal bore, an elongated finger screw-threadedly mounted inv the bore of the plunger-in alignment withthe plunger for telescopic adjustment therewith, and a pair of headed pins mounted on the control timer releasably engageable in the key-hole openings of the bracket in alternate positions with the plunger aligned with the push. button of thestart switch and the push button ofthe stop switch respectively.

3. In combination with an electric circuit having a push button start switch and, a push-button stop switch therein, means mounting the push button switches in predetermined spaced relation, a bracket mounted on the mounting means in spanning relation to the switches, a clock having an alarm spring winding shaft therein rotated in response to predetermined travel of the clock, a case for the clock, an elongated plunger mounted in the case adjacent to the shaft for endward reciprocal movement between a position extended from the case and a relatively retracted position, means interconnecting the shaft and the plunger and reciprocating the plunger in response to shaft rotation, a stop, limiting rotational travel. of; the shaft to an extent sufficient to achieve a single extension and retraction of the plunger at each operation, and means borne by the case releasably engageable with the bracket in alternate positions with the plunger aligned with the push button of the stop switch and the push button of the start switch respectively and in predetermined spaced relation to the push buttons whereby the plunger is engageable therewith when extended and is disengaged therefrom when re tracted.

4. In combination with an electric circuit having a push button start switch and push button stop switch therein; means mounting the push button switches in predetermined spaced relation; a bracket mounted in spanning relation to the push button switches on the mounting means; a case; a crankshaft rotatably mounted in the case having a straight portion and a throw intermediate the ends of the straight portion providing a journal in substantially parallel relation to the straight portion; an elongated plunger mounted in the case for longitudinal reciprocal movement between a position extended from the case and a retracted position in substantially transverse relation to the crankshaft; a timing device mounted in the case having driving connection to the crankshaft adapted to rotate the crankshaft in a predetermined direction at an adjustably predetermined time measured by the timing device; an elongated link having an end rotatably mounted on the journal, an opposite end pivotally coupled to the plunger, and an intermediate portion engageable with the straight portion of the crankshaft in spaced relation to the journal to limit rotation of the shaft to an extent sufficient to extend and retract the plunger; and means borne by the case releasably engageable with the bracket in alternate positions with the plunger aligned with the push button of the stop switch and the push button of the start switch respectively and in predetermined spaced relation to the push buttons whereby the plunger is engageable therewith when extended and is disengaged therefrom when retracted.

5. A control timer comprising a case, a crankshaft rotatably mounted in the case having a straight portion and a throw intermediate the of the straight portion providing a journal in substantially parallel relation to the straight portion, a pair of substantially parallel arms pivotaliy mounted in the case in pendant relation adjacent to the crankshaft for pivotal movement transversely thereof in a common plane, an elongated plunger pivotally mounted on each of the arms in substantially equally spaced relation to the pivotal mountings thereof for longitudinal reciprocal movement from and to the case, a timing device having driving connection to the crankshaft adapted to rotate the crankshaft in a predetermined direction at an adjustably predetermined time measured by the timing device, and a link pivotally interconnecting the journal of the throw of the crankshaft and an extended end of one of the arms whereby rotation of the crankshaft reciprocates the plunger between predetermined limits defined by engagement of the link with the crankshaft in spaced relation to its journal.

6. A control timer comprising a timing mechanism; means mounting the timing mechanism; a crankshaft rotatably mounted in the mounting means having a continuous elongated portion and a throw intermediate the ends of the elongated portion providing a journal in substantially parallel spaced relation to the straight portion; a

helical motivating spring mounted on the crankshaft having an end affixed thereto and an opposite end fixedly connected to the mounting means; means for rotating the crankshaft in a predetermined direction to wind the spring; an escapement releasably locking the shaft against rotation in a direction opposite to the winding direction; a linkage interconnecting the escapement and the timing mechanism for releasing the escapement in response to predetermined travel of the timing mechanism; an elongated plunger mounted in the mounting means for longitudinal reciprocal movement transversely of the crankshaft; and an longated link having an end rotatably mounted on the journal, an opposite end pivotally to the plunger, and an intermediate portion engageable with the straight portion of the ankshai't to limit rotational movement of the crankshaft in winding and unwinding directions, said link translating rotational movement of the crankshaft into longitudinal reciprocation of the plunger between limits defined by engagement of the link with the crankshaft.

'7. A control timer for push button switches and the like comprising a timing mechanism, a case in housing relation to the mechanism, a crankshaft rotatably mounted in the case having a continuous elongated straight portion and a throw intermediate the ends of the straight portion having a journal in substantially parallel spaced relation to the straight portion, a helica-l motivating spring mounted on the crankshaft having an end anchored thereto and an opposite end fixedly mounted in the case, means for rotating the crankshaft to wind the spring, an escapement releasably locking the crankshaft against rotation, a linkage interconnecting the escapement and the timing mechanism releasing the escapement for rotation of the crankshaft in response to predetermined elapse of time as measured by the timing mechanism, a pair of substantially parallel arms pivotally mounted in the case in pendant relation adjacent to the crankshaft for pivotal movement transversely thereof in a a common plane, an elongated plunger pivotally mounted on each of the arms in substantially equally spaced relation to the pivotal mountings thereof for longitudinal reciprocal movement from and to the case, and a link pivotally interconnecting the journal of the throw of the crankshaft and an extended end of one of the arms whereby rotation of the crankshaft reciprocates the plunger between predetermined limits defined by engagement of the link with the crankshaft in spaced relation to the journal.

8. A control timer for push button switches and the like comprising a case, a timing mechanism mounted in the case, a crankshaft mounted in the case having a continuous elongated straight portion and a throw intermediate the ends of the straight portion providing a journal in substantially parallel relation to the straight portion, a helical mounting spring mounted on the crankshaft having an end anchored thereto and an opposite end fixedly anchored in the case, means for rotating the crankshaft in predetermined direction to wind the spring, an escapement releasably locking the crankshaft against rotation in the direction opposite to that in which it is rotated to wind the spring, a linkage interconnecting the timing mechanism and the escapement releasing the escapement for rotation of the crankshaft by the spring in response to predetermined travel of the timing mechanism, a pair of substantially parallel arms pivotally mounted in the 'caserforfipivotal rniovement "in :a common 'plane transver'selyci?thecrankshazftjamd-substantially normal thereto, an elongated aplungerzpiv- 'dtally im'ounted on "the farms fin substantially e'qu'ally spaced relation :to Ith'e pivotal mountings thei'eof interconnecting the :arms :in substanti'aiIy parallel-relation, the plunger having .a:1ongitu'dinal boreformed inJ-an' endtthereofi an elon- *gated finger screwthreadedly mountedgin the V FbQr'e; of the plunger for: adjustable telescopic .po-

sitioning' in 'alignr'nent with 'the plunger andprowinin an 'end extended from the .case, and a lihk "-rtatelt'altfly mounted "on the "journal of the -thi'6w of the crankshaft: and pivotally connected 'to one bf'the armss'aid'link having opposite side Noreferences cited. 

